Sixth-grader gets probation for explosive device

A former Tonganoxie Middle School student who in January brought an explosive device to the school will serve 12 months probation.

The sentence was handed down Wednesday in Leavenworth County District Court. The 12-year-old boy pled guilty in April to attempted criminal use of explosives, which is a felony.

The youth also must pay $34 in court costs and $25 in probation fees.

Todd Thompson, Leavenworth County attorney, said in April the plea was taken because the boy was 12 years old had no prior criminal history and is being home-schooled by his parents.

The boy was a sixth-grader at TMS when he brought the device, which authorities described as a cardboard BB wrapper that had been packed with BBs and the powder of two M-80s. It was equivalent to a third of a stick of dynamite.

According to law enforcement and school officials, the boy had no intent to cause harm when he brought the device to school.